Marimba, National Symbol of Costa Rica Culture and Tradition

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Marimba, Costa Rica National Symbol

This historic and popular musical instrument is an emblem that represents and dignified art and culture of the people of Costa Rica, a peaceful country, which has prevailed since the annexation of Guanacaste to Costa Rica.

As the story goes, the Marimba, which has been around for centuries in Mesoamerica, came to this country from Guatemala in the late XVIII century, during colonial times, believed that through the Franciscans, it was disseminated on the region of Guanacaste and the Central Valley. Through it, Costa Rican people can identify as members of a community or town, such as Guanacaste, which represents an authentic folklore.

The interest to declare the Marimba as a national symbol, stems from the fact that it was gradually displaced, devalued and even despised, to even be in danger of disappearing, in the presence of new and modern musical instruments, which occurred during the government of Jose Maria Figueres Olsen, on September 3rd, 1996, by Decree No. 25114-C published in La Gaceta No. 167, which states the Marimba as national musical instrument, and is considered a symbol of culture and tradition.

The Marimba has been linked historically to the whole social and cultural task of Costa Rica, so it is in religious activities and folk festivals, especially accompanying folk dances, giving boost to the show.

Independence Torch, National Symbol of Costa Rica Freedom

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The Independence Torch was declared a national symbol on September 14th, 2005 under the administration of Dr. Abel Pacheco de la Espriella, as represention of the ideal of freedom and independence that connects Costa Rica with their brother countries of Central America, according to the decree MEP No.32647-C, signing in Cartago city. The decision to declare the Independence Torch as a national symbol seeks to express the intention that the light of that torch always provided a free and sovereign country.

By way of history, from 1821, the year of the independence of the Central American countries, the idependencia was held in particular way in each country. Before such circumstances, in 1964 the then Minister of Education of Costa Rica, Mr. Ismael A. Vargas, took a meeting of Ministers of Public Education held in Managua, Nicaragua, where he gave his colleagues a project to make a joint celebration of all Central American countries to commemorate the momentous historical event.

This project was devised by Professor Alfredo Cruz Bolaños, who then served as General Director of Sports in Costa Rica, which was called Independence Torch Run, which would run all Central American countries to emulate the path of that extraordinary mail that left from Guatemala in 1821 and ended in Costa Rica, same that brought the Independence news.

At that meeting, the initiative was welcomed and the Ministers instructed the Costa Rican chief as the coordinator of the celebration. The minister delegated Professor Cruz Bolanos, who worked one week in each of the Central American countries, met with collaborators, did tested for feasibility, checked the measurements of ground to cover, the number of schools and the number of students who participate, in addition, determined the type of light that would be used and official ceremonies at each border.

This important effort resulted in a tradition where every year since 1964, as in September 1821, is performed the Torch run – fire of independence, in all corners of the isthmus, starting in Guatemala and ending in Costa Rica, specifically in Cartago city, former capital of Costa Rica, being the Torch carried in the hands of children and young students, as representing the ideal of freedom and independence of the Central American countries.

This has become entrenched in the patriotic fervor of the Central American countries to become a significant civic event and has revealed the tenacious work of thousands of Costa Rican students who each year participate in it. The Law project seeking the declaration of the Torch as a national symbol, meant that this is paying homage to Professor Alfredo Cruz Bolanos, chief manager of this act that we enjoy today. The Independence Torch, like our flag and our national anthem is a national symbol of freedom and representative Costa Rican idiosyncrasy.

Chirripó Crestones Hills, Costa Rica’s Natural Wealth National Symbol

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The Crestones Hills of the Chirripo National Park were declared as a national symbol on April 6th, 2011, by the Legislative Commission II (Comisión con Potestad Legislativa Plena II), under the law project No. 17437, as a symbol of the natural wealth of Costa Rica, in order to raise awareness of the natural and economic value that can benefit the country when promoting its natural beauty.

This initiative was launched in July 2009, by the then Liberal Deputy Edine von Herold, and then led by the PAC Deputy Gustavo Arias Navarro, as not only an example of the variety of tourism opportunities that Costa Rica offers, but also as part of the nation’s identity and to represent the richness and conservation efforts that have been achieved as a country. The same was sanctioned by the president Chinchilla and his minister Teofilo de la Torre on April 28th, 2011, and was published in the official newspaper La Gaceta under Law No. 8943 that declared it as such until September 5th, 2011.

Los Crestones hills were formed by a folding process of the crust, resembling gigantic and impressive “fingers” of rock up to 60 m (197ft) high, consisting of igneous material. One of the most outstanding formations is the “Aguja” (the needle), which is over 60 m (197ft) high. From that point, visitors can see the magnitude of the landscape that surrounds the southern region of the country, particularly, Caño Island, the breathtaking mountains of the cordillera, like the Chirripo Hill, the Ventisqueros Hill, as well as the Sabana de Los Leones (Sabana of the lions), The El General Valley, an overview of the Pacific Ocean and it’s also an excellent natural observatory, rich in landscapes and incredible sunsets. Crestones Hills are located at 3,720 m (12,204ft) high in the Talamanca Cordillera, one of the longest in the country, with about 190 km (118 miles) in length, specifically in the Chirripo National Park, declared World Heritage by UNESCO and this protected area is part of the International Biosphere Reserve La Amistad-Pacific Conservation Area, that Costa Rica shares with Panama.

This is the first time that a tourist site is declared as a national symbol. That designation has been made just with flora and fauna of the country, or items like the typical oxcart and the independence torch. This designation was because it also empowers public institutions to promote this destination as a “country brand”. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is authorized to incorporate it into their educational programs linking this symbol as a central focus of civic education as a means of transmitting knowledge, values, customs and cultural, moral and behavioral awareness to the student.

Manatee, The National Symbol of Costa Rica Marine Wildlife

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Manatee, The National Symbol of Costa Rica Marine Wildlife

Declared national symbol during the presidency of Luis Guillermo Solís, on July 15th, 2014, through Law No. 17984. The project was presented by a group of students from the Barrio Limoncito School in the province of Limon and driven by Gerardo Vargas, a Limon legislature, so that national authorities promote conservation policies of this species.

In Costa Rica, manatees are concentrated throughout the Caribbean (Sixaola River, Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, Pacuare River lagoons, Tortuguero National Park lagoons and Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge), where largest populations are found in freshwater systems in key protected areas within the Tortuguero Conservation Area. Its main threat is the transit of boats with engines that mobilize tourists on the Tortuguero canals, deforestation, poor research and contamination of waterways.

This law also declares manatee sanctuaries as places of absolute protection and income to these sites will be only for scientific purposes or for the control, inspection and monitoring by the relevant authorities.

The word “manatee” in the Caribbean Indian language, means “with breasts.” Its scientific name comes from the Latin word Trichechus, referring to the small hairs or bristles scattered over his body; and manatus comes from the Greek word μανάτος (manatus), which refers to the common characteristic of mammals nurse their breeding.

The Manatee or Sea Cow (Trichechus manatus) is a sirenio specie of the Trichechidae family living from the Gulf of Mexico to the mouth of the Amazon River. It is a big animal that has a fish-fin with a rounded terminal spatula-shaped appearance. Its skin is finely wrinkled, with five centimeters thick, usually covered by algae and small molluscs. The head widens and joins without any neck or shoulders or any part at the end of his body. Manatees have flexible forelegs and as an oar, or fins, which are used to help the scroll on the bottom, scratch, touch and even to embrace other manatees, to move food in and facilitate the cleaning of their mouths. They are gentle herbivores that spend most of their time searching for and ingesting coastal seabed and shallow water plants. Manatees live in both sweet and salty waters near the coast.

Like other manatees, is a species fully adapted to aquatic life. The distribution of fur on their body is weak, which prevents the accumulation of algae on their skin. Is about 3 meters long, and weighs between 400 and 600 kilograms, being females generally larger than males. Larger Manatees can weigh up to 1,500 kilograms and measure up to 4.6 meters. The skin color can vary from gray to brown. Their fins have 3 or 4 nails, used to keep the food when foraging.

Although females are usually solitary creatures, form mating herds while in estrus. Most females breeding successfully between the ages of seven and nine years, while capable of playing from the age of four. The gestation period is twelve to fourteen months. Usually gives birth to one baby, but rarely are born two. At birth, on average weighs 35 kg and measures 90 to 120 cm long and depends entirely on their mother, so she stays with it at least 2 years.

The males go around the female herds when ready to conceive, but not contribute to any parental brood care. Generally, females produce one breeding every 2-5 years. Therefore, manatees that survive to adulthood have an average of no more than play five to seven babies between the ages of 20 and 26. They can live up to 60 years in a wild environment, but their life expectancy is lower.

Melico Salazar Theater Costa Rica

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Address: On 2nd Av., between Central and 2nd St., district: Catedral, canton: San José, province: San José, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 10104.
GPS Coordinates: 9.933158,-84.079311 (9°55’59.37″N, 84° 4’45.52″W)
Telephone: +506 2233-5424, +506 2233-5172.
Website: www.teatromelico.go.cr

Attention Schedule:
From Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

Address map: Click here to view directions from La Sabana Park, San Jose, Costa Rica TO the Melico Salazar Theater in San Jose, Costa Rica.

WAZE location Melico Salazar Theater Costa Rica  Google Maps location Melico Salazar Theater Costa Rica

Dedicated to the memory of the great tenor Manuel Salazar Zúñiga or Melico Salazar, whose performances in New York’s City Music Hall and the Scala Theater in Milan, to name a few world culture centers, showed the world the potential of the Costa Rican artist. His golden voice led him to be recognized worldwide, with performances across America and Europe. His last years were spent in Costa Rica, dedicated to teaching his passion, music.

The idea of creating the Melico Salazar Theater came from the Spanish born José Raventós, that to accomplish his dream of being able to play zarzuelas and operettas, decided to buy a land in San José and use it for the construction of the existing theater. José Fabio Garnier Ugalde, playwright and architect, was the person who designed the theater. Construction began on February 8, 1927, and ended with the opening on October 7, 1928 with the representation from the Operetta Society by Esperanza Iris. In 1960 a new gallery was added, which also included a new cinemascope screen.

Some seven years later, in 1967, during the early morning of April 23, a fire destroyed the building. Early in the seventies, the Ministry of Culture and Youth, came up with the idea of buying the theater to renew it, which achieves at a later time. In December 1981 there is a preopening of the theater, but soon after, public access is closed to complete the restoration. The reopening was in March 6, 1985, and in April 7 of the following year, the official government newspaper, “La Gaceta”, announced the law 7023, that gave the Melico Salazar’s theater the position of “specialized cultural institution” of the Costa Rican state.

Its architectural beauty sets the trend in the Baroque style, surrounded by Corinthians pilasters, which enhances the Melico Salazar Theater prominences that adorn its facade. It consists of four levels with stall seats, boxes and the gallery.

At present the Melico Salazar Theater is the popular culture forum in the country, which is complemented by numerous theaters and art galleries, public and private, permanently offering its collection to the national public and, particularly to the capital’s people. Hence, it is one of the most important artistic representations of the country, where high-level performances in the disciplines of theater, dance, multicultural events, classical, traditional and contemporary demonstrations are presented.

Costa Rica’s National Theater

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Address: 2nd Av., between 3rd and 5th St., district: Catedral, canton: San Jose, province: San Jose, Costa Rica. Zone postal code: 10104.
GPS Coordinates: 9.932914,-84.077389 (9°55’58.49″N, 84°4’38.60″W)
Website: www.teatronacional.go.cr

Telephones:
Office +506 2221-5341
Tourism +506 2221-1329 ext. 217
Administration +506 2221-1329 ext. 217
Foundation +506 2222-5716 and +506 2221-1329 ext. 234
Coffee +506 2221-1329 ext. 250
WebMaster +506 2221-1329 ext. 231

Schedule:
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Address map: Click here to view directions from La Sabana Park, San Jose, Costa Rica TO the Costa Rica National Theater in San Jose, Costa Rica.

National Theater WAZE location, San José, Costa RicaGoogle Maps location Costa Rica National Theater, San José

Built in 1890, of the purest classical style Renaissance architecture, with marble brought from Italy and decorated with bucolic scenes from coffee harvesting, the National Theater is the highest cultural forum in Costa Rica, located in the heart of the capital. The building model is from the famous Opera in Paris. It was opened in 1897 with the performance of “Faust.” Through it’s scenery it has seen most of the major theater companies who have visited Latin America, and renowned artists and classical music orchestras.

According to history, the theater was built thanks to the lyrical singer Adelina Patti, who refused to perform in San José for the lack of a proper theater, as due to a series of earthquakes that struck the country in 1888 and ended with the Municipal Theater.

The construction of a new theater to the people appears as a choice of entertainment for youth and at the same time, a temple of learning. Consequently, the Government tried to reopen the Municipal Theater, which was impossible for security reasons, and had the project postponed for a year and a half more. To achieve the financing for the construction, several measures were taken, either through the lottery, voluntary contribution and the contribution of the State. It was not until the dismayed coffee producers, decided to begin building a European-style theater. Created a cultural special tax for each bag of coffee exported in order to finance the cost of construction, and well, seven years of hard work later, the theater was completed. The National Theater opening attracted the Costa Rican society in dress suit.

A century after constructed, careful care is still taken, to complete this job it has a national workshop of masons, some of them direct descendants of those involved in its construction. Being a legitimate pride in Costa Rica, it has been supplemented by the “Plaza de la Cultura”, annexed, with art exhibition galleries, cultural conferences, of wide and modern design, particularly in contrast with the classic modernist style of the National Theater.

San José, Capital of Costa Rica

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San José city, located in the Central Valley with an area of 170 km² and a population of approximately 1, 500,000 inhabitants, including the floating population, and recognized as the center of the metropolitan area of Costa Rica, was named capital of Costa Rica since 1823.

San Jose was founded in 1737 and became the capital a century later. It was through coffee trade that San Jose achieved an excellent economic development to the mid-nineteenth century, as well as it helped to enter into new cultural trends and Europe customs.

At the same time, San Jose had a technological breakthrough in comparison to other provinces because it was the first to introduce electric lighting and public telephone service.

San Jose offers, like many other parts of the republic, sites of historical interest, which speak of the gradual, peaceful and democratic path that the Costa Rican people had been to, and indicate the national will to reach higher levels, starting with the best the world offers for each era.

Hence we find in the capital variety of architectural styles, ranging from colonial style to daring modern designs.

Residential areas have proliferated throughout the metropolitan area and its urban designs, as well as infrastructures and communications services, make many of them small towns in the capital.

San Jose, like most other provinces, is divided into streets and avenues crossed perpendicularly. Although almost none has a name, all have numbers. Starting from the 0 or Central Street, odd street numbers progressing towards the east and pairs to the west. Similarly, the avenues are from 0 or Central Avenue, and hence the pairs move to the south, and the odd to the north.

Medicine, Health and Hospitals in Costa Rica

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Historically Costa Rica has dedicated most of its resources to two major areas: education and health. That’s why Costa Rica has an extensive infrastructure dedicated exclusively to preventive and curative medicine. In parallel, there are 2 health systems in the country, which are public and private. Since the abolition of its army, six decades ago, it was decided that Costa Rica was better to have a welfare system, which gives its citizens a decent standard in health care, because that was a better measure of investment than an army. These converging public and private efforts, a responsibility that largely falls on the “Caja” that together with the Ministry of Health, serves absolutely everyone in the country.

La “Caja Costarricense del Seguro Social”, known as “La Caja” is the government health system founded in 1943, which has a high rating for the services that it provides, and is the envy of many of the developing countries in the world. But the decline in its resources, long waits and bureaucratic system, are a common problem of socialized medicine around the world. Sometimes people must wait a bit, especially if you are caring for a non-threatening condition. But will always be treated in clinics and hospitals that are in most communities around the country. For this reason, many foreigners prefer the private health system, which also possess a large number of qualified doctors trained in North America and Europe. The services cost more, but you pay for the efficiency and personalized service that sometimes lacks in the institutions of “La Caja”.

It should be noted that Costa Rica counted with modern doctors, as with medical and paramedical professionals and technicians with high level and long experience, which makes the country occupies an enviable health status. In addition, the standard of living and health that exist within the country are relatively high, with a long life expectancy, low infant mortality rates, and almost total access to potable water, are characteristic of a country with devotion to the welfare of its citizens.

Costa Rica has its own medical schools, recognized internationally for quality, which ensures the preparation and availability of adequate human resources to meet the growing needs of the nation.

About medical tourism, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) estimates that approximately 1% of visitors come here for health reasons, according to the survey database that has been done. This number increases in healthcare costs, especially in the United States. This incentive comes mainly from the medical dental and cosmetic surgery, which seeking lower-cost alternatives, and where the majority of Costa Rican professionals in these fields have been studied in North America or Europe and are very capable in particular.

Professionals prefer the term “aesthetic” or “cosmetic” as used for “cosmetic surgery” to describe non-essential procedures to improve appearance. Elective process as rhinoplasty, liposuction or breast implants in Costa Rica, proceedings from costs of Europe or North America. Internet and the ability to transmit photos online has been a great help for cosmetic surgeons, enabling them to make online consultations with patient’s pre-and post-operative.

Many patients who come to Costa Rica for some type of medical necessity, especially in surgery, used its travel as a small vacation. They mixes the opportunity to recuperate in a tropical land, away from friends  and the anonymity, with enjoying activities during the post-operative period, such as rafting, mountaineering and variety of tours.

Their health insurance options in Costa Rica are simple and complex simultaneously. You have several options: the state has a monopoly on insurance. That is the easy part. The complexity stems from the same factors: only a few insurance plans will cover foreigners in Costa Rica. An eventual ratification of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) with the United States could open the market to private insurers here.

Any citizen person employed, both Costa Rican and foreign residents, have access to medical treatment in the public health system through their contributions in payroll taxes and deductions for “La Caja” Social Security. The Association of Residents of Costa Rica (ARCR, 2233-8068, arcr.net) can help to register the services.

The National Insurance Institute (INS), the state insurance since 1924, offers health insurance packages that can be used to supplement the coverage “La Caja” or as a substitute for those who do not have all the benefits of the “La Caja”. Premiums for all policies of the INS vary by age, sex and health state. Clinics and hospitals can pre-certify care to avoid the obligation to pay in advance and wait for reimbursement. Otherwise, the patient must pay the fees and outpatient clinics will be reimbursed for three to six weeks later.

Medical Assistance (2220-3687, [email protected]) offers all over the country just medical care in conjunction with the Cima Hospital. For a fee, patients can use any doctor in the network, including private clinics, pharmacies and laboratories around the country.

Foreigners who do not have insurance of the “La Caja” must pay about $50 for basic emergency care in public hospitals, including medication, treatment and lab work, with an average of $400 more, in surgery terms and more complex laboratory tests. The patients are usually required to pay all fees in advance.

Furthermore, consultations in private hospitals start at $60 and are handled with a deposit of roughly double that amount. The basic rate starts at $90 per night for a room and $290 for a suite. The tests and medicines increase these rates. Some international insurance are accepted, but it is always better to check with the hospital. Many doctors in private hospitals have studied in North America or Europe and speak English.

In Costa Rica, many private hospitals mainly congregate in San Jose and the Central Valley, while public hospitals are located in most communities in the country.

Private Hospitals

Biblical Clinic, Central and 1st St., 14 and 16th Av., San José. Tel 2522-1000, clinicabiblica.com
Santa Rita Clinic, 15th and 17th St., 8 Av., San José. Tel 2255-1618
Saint Mary Clinic, 14th St., 8 Av., San José. Tel 2523-6000
Catholic Hospital, San Antonio de Guadalupe. Tel 2246-3000
CIMA Hospital, Guachipelín of Escazú. Tel 2208-1000, hospitalcima.com

Public Hospitals:

San José and Central Valley
National Children’s Hospital, San José. Tel 2222-0122
San Juan de Dios Hospital, San José. Tel 2257-6282
Calderón Guardia Hospital, San José. Tel 2257-7922
México Hospital, La Uruca, San José. Tel.2242-6700
Dr. Blanco Cervantes Hospital, San José. Tel 2257-8122
Maternal Infant Carit Hospital, San José. Tel 2257-9111
Jerusalem Christian Hospital, Guadalupe. Tel 2216-9191
Bello Horizonte Hospital, Escazú. Tel 2289-5480
San José S.A Hospital, Sabana. Tel 2231-0433
San Vicente de Paul Hospital, Heredia. Tel 2261-0091
Max Peralta Hospital, Cartago.Tel. 2550-1999
Dr. Roberto Chacón Paut Hospital, Tres Ríos. Tel 2229-5688
San Rafael de Alajuela Hospital, Alajuela. Tel 2436-1000
San Francisco de Asís Hospital, Grecia. Tel 2444-5045
Carlos Luis Valverde Vega Hospital, San Ramón. Tel 2445-5388

North Zone
San Carlos Hospital, Ciudad Quesada. Tel 2460-1176
Upala Hospital, Upala. Tel 2470-0058
Los Chiles Hospital, Los Chiles. Tel 2471-2000

Guanacaste
Enrique Baltodano Hospital, Liberia. Tel 2666-0011
Annexation Hospital, Nicoya. Tel 2685-8400

Caribbean
Dr. Tony Facio Hospital, Limón. Tel 2758-2222
Guápiles Hospital, Guápiles. Tel 2710-6801
William Allen Hospital, Turrialba. Tel 2556-4343

Central Pacific
Monsignor Sanabria Hospital, Puntarenas. Tel 2663-0033
Dr. Max Terán Valls Hospital, Quepos. Tel 2777-0922

South Zone
Golfito Hospital, Puntarenas. Tel 2775-0011
Dr. Pradilla Fernando Escalante Hospital, San Isidro de El General. Tel .2785-0700
San Vito de Coto Brus Hospital, San Vito. Tel 2773-3103
Tomas Casas Casajús Hospital, Ciudad Cortés. Tel 2788-8197
Ciudad Neily Hospital, Ciudad Neily. Tel 2783-4111

Source: Exploring Costa Rica 2008/09

Education in Costa Rica

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Talking about education in Costa Rica, is talking about the most important institution. If, since half a century ago it was said that Costa Rica had more teachers than soldiers, today it can be stated that by the law of the Republic, there is no army and also that there is no single core of Costa Rican population which doesn’t have its own school.

The country’s education system is divided into three main sections. Elementary, Secondary or High School (70% public and 30% private institutions) and University education. There are about 3450 primary schools and 200 secondary schools. The school period is from February to December, with a short break of two weeks in July.

In fact, primary education has been, by law, free and obligatory since 1869, and paid by the state. 25% of the national budget is devoted to education. A large number of children attend to preschool at an early age, on the other hand, students must attend school until the end of ninth grade, which is at the age of 14-15 years. As a result, the country has the highest literacy rate in Latin America (93%) having their literacy to compete with larger and more industrialized nations of the world.

For many visitors it is surprising that the frequent processions that take place in patriotic or protocol acts, are carried out within a framework of absolute civility, by a “military” of uniformed students, with their bands and the national tricolor flag.

The higher education sector is strong, as it has been developing well since the last century, but it was not until 1940 that the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the largest university in the country, was founded. Thirty years later, it created some other public universities such as the National University (UNA), the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (ITCR), the Autonomous University of Central America (UACA) and the Distance State University (UNED). The first of many private universities were established in 1977.

All these institutions together, and the existence of private schools and signed agreements with universities in other countries, particularly the United States, have been opening doors to great possibilities for developing the national potential. In fact, Costa Rica is self sufficient in terms of professionals. It is worth indicating that from many countries of the world students come to prepare in our schools of higher learning, especially in the areas of medicine, engineering, business administration and agricultural sciences.

The Ministry of Public Education is the responsible entity for guaranteeing the right education and it’s quality, adequate infrastructure and equipment for the proper functioning of the education system and promoting the integral development of student populations, as well as contributing to a stable and adequate funding of the education system.

Public Universities:

University of Costa Rica (UCR), San Pedro, Guanacaste, Limón, San Ramón and Turrialba. (+506 2207-5080, www.ucr.ac.cr)
Tecnological Institute of Costa Rica (ITCR), Cartago, San José and San Carlos. (+506 2550-2218, www.tec.ac.cr)
National University (UNA), Heredia. (+506 2277-3199, www.una.ac.cr)
Distance State University (UNED), Sabanilla. (+506 2224-1766)

Private Universities:

School of Agriculture of the Humid Tropical Region (EARTH) Guácimo, Limón. (+506 2713-0000, www.earth.ac.cr)
Central American Institute of Business Administration (INCAE) La Garita, Alajuela (+506 2437-2200, www.incae.edu)
International University of America (UIA) San Jose. (+506 2258-0220, ww.uia.ac.cr)
Latin American University of Science and Technology (ULACIT) San José. (+506 2257-5767, www.ulacit.ac.cr)
Fidelitas University, San Pedro. (+506 2253-0262, www.ufidelitas.ac.cr)
Latin University (Former Latin University of Costa Rica or ULatina) San Pedro. (+506 2283-2611, www.ulatina.ac.cr)
American University (UAM) The Yoses, Heredia and Cartago. (+506 2253-8350, www.uam.ac.cr)
Central America Autonomous University (UACA) Curridabat, Guanacaste, San Ramón, Ciudad Neily and Guápiles. (+506 2272-9100, www.uaca.ac.cr)
Creative University, Sabanilla. (+506 2283-6880, www.ucreativa.com)
Iberoamerican University (UNIBE) Tibás. (+506 2297-2242, www.unibecostarica.com)
Catholic University of Costa Rica, Moravia. (+506 2240-2121, www.ucatolica.ac.cr)
La Salle University, Sabana Sur. (+506 2290-1010, www.ulasalle.ac.cr)
University of Medical Sciences (UCIMED) Sabana Oeste. (+506 2296-3944, www.ucimed.com)
Veritas University, Zapote. (+506 2225-2907, www.uveritas.ac.cr)
Latin University (Former Interamerican University of Costa Rica or UICR) Heredia. (+506 2277-8000)
Central American University of Business Cience (UCEM) Alajuela. (+506 2440-2090)
University for Peace, Ciudad Colon. (+506 2205-9000, www.upeace.org)

Costa Rica Geography

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Costa Rica, despite being small in size, is geographically a land of extreme contrast. Located in the tropics, between 8 and 11 degrees north of the Equator, with a mountain range that is responsible for the constant seismic activity, volcanoes, the distinctive climate zones and the vast biodiversity. Hot jungles, fertile pastures, uplands and cold mountain peaks make Costa Rica a fascinating land of infinite variety.

The country’s area is over 51,100 square kilometers with a maximum longitudeCosta Rica mountains. of 464 km between the borders. Costa Rica is bordered to the North with Nicaragua, Panama to the south, the west by the Pacific Ocean and east with the Caribbean Sea. The country is divided into seven provinces: San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Limón, and these into cantons and districts.

Costa Rica is near the Cocos and Caribbean tectonic plates, as well as local failures, causing thousands of small tremors every year. The seismic activity has been recorded since 1638, but projections remain unclear.

Mountain ranges that go from the northwest frontier of Nicaragua to the southeast border with Panama splits the country in two. Costa Rica has three main mountain ranges that run the country: the Central Volcanic Cordillera, the Cordillera of Talamanca and Cordillera of Guanacaste. With the exception of Intermontano Central Valley, the rest of the country is occupied by large plains, located to the north, northwest and southwest of the territory. The Guanacaste Cordillera in the north, has the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Further south in the Cordillera de Tilarán is the most famous active volcano, the Arenal, which continues throwing rocks and lava. These eruptions are a major tourist attraction, as well as the Arenal Lake, the largest lake in Costa Rica.

In the Cordillera Central, is the still active Poas Volcano, which continues emitting sulfurous gases and threatening bubbles. The Irazu meanwhile, the highest volcano in the country with 3,431 m (11,257 ft), had its last eruption in 1963, showering the Central Valley with ashes for two years. Turrialba Volcano, part of the same range, has been dormant since 1866. Dormant volcanoes – Tenorio, Miravalles, Orosi, Santa Maria, Cacho Negro, Platanar and Barva – can awake at any moment and the numbers say that there are about 200 extinct volcanoes on land and at sea.

Geologically oldest, but not volcanic, located southeast of the country is the Cordillera de Talamanca, which is the largest and most robust in the country. Here lies the fifth highest peak in Central America and the highest peak in Costa Rica, the Chirripó with 3,820 m (12,530 feet), experiences sub-zero temperatures and occasional small scale snowfall. To the South of Cartago, the Interamerican Highway begins to climb the Cerro de la Muerte, from about 5.00 to 11,450 feet, where temperatures range between 5°C and 20°C. Justly, in the central area of Los Santos and La Costanera along the south Pacific coast, are the lower areas of the country.

The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and the Pacific. Most of Punta Uva beach, Puerto Viejo, Limon, Costa Rica.the few islands of Costa Ricans are in the Gulf of Nicoya on the Pacific Ocean, highlighting among them the Chira Island, which was an ancient indigenous settlement and today has some small villages of farmers and ranchers. The Calero Island which is the largest island of the country with 151.6 km2 (58.5 square miles). As well as the famous Cocos Island with 24 km2 (9.3 square miles), which is also recognized as a National Park, about 500 kilometers from the coast and in the Pacific Ocean, is the farthest possession of the country and currently competes to be one of the wonders of the world, and still at present is a source of legends about invaluable treasures buried there centuries ago by pirates who ravaged the Spanish colonies in America. The temperature ranges between 37°C in coastal areas.

Half the population lives in the fertile Central Valley, known for its abrupt changes in altitude, temperatures and landscapes. It is home to the capital, San Jose, Orosi Valley and major cities like Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago and Turrialba. For possessing a fertile field and a volcanic soil, they are the major coffee areas, as well as milk production. Intermontano Central Valley, with an average temperature of 20°C and an average height above sea level of 1000 meters, covers an area of 3250 square kilometers, in which are located the largest cities and most part of the population, which is approximately 4 million.

Multiple changes in altitude and temperature are responsible for the incredible variety of climates that cause the country’s incredible biodiversity. The average temperature in San Jose ranges from 18°C and 27°C throughout the year. Other nearby communities may be five to six degrees warmer or colder. Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula are burning during the day with temperatures between 31°C and 38°C, dropping about 20°C overnight. Ten hours of sunshine during the dry season and six hours in the wet is the norm for this region of the tropical dry forests and plains of grass famous for their cattle.

The lush rainforests of the Caribbean are the main growing regions of plantain and banana. Rainfall throughout the year to October, traditionally the driest month, produces a higher level of moisture that the Pacific coast, with temperatures averaging 25°C to 27°C.

The Central Pacific distintive for palm oil plantations, and the borders south area with its dense jungles of steam from the coast of the remote Osa Peninsula. The northern area for its diverse topography, resulting in a wide variety of microclimates. The landscape includes the Lake Arenal and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Varablanca, Heredia, Costa RicaMonteverde cloud forest.

The entire geography of the country is crossed by highways and roads linking the ports of Limon and Puntarenas, passing through the capitals of the provinces of Cartago, Alajuela and San José, with a group of roads connecting with Heredia. The air field covers the whole country, through countless airports and airfields. The Inter-American highway, built during World War II in cooperation with the United States, crosses the country from north to south, linking with the rest of the continent.

The hydrological aspect of Costa Rica is extremely important since it determines an important hydroelectric potential, not only by the availability of energy for the needs of the nation but, in fact, Costa Rica is currently exporting energy to other neighboring nations.

Even though Costa Rica has a small territory and few great rivers, such as Reventazon, the Térraba, the Grande de Tárcoles and Tempisque, the topography of the country offers very suitable characteristics for water use.